DAVIE — Before the first game of last season, Jay Ajayi was told he wasn’t going to dress for the season-opener and the running back reacted so poorly first-year coach Adam Gase left him home.

As Ajayi begins his second season under Gase, everything has changed.

Not only has Ajayi proven himself as a player, but his approach to his role has completely changed.

“To be a leader on this team,” Ajayi said of his role.

Ryan Tannehill’s personality is emerging as stronger as he hits the stride of his career.

Jarvis Landry is the emotional heartbeat of Miami’s offense.

And Mike Pouncey, when healthy, is its soul.

But Ajayi mentioning leaderships several times during an on-field interview Friday at training camp is interesting.

For as hard as Ajayi has worked to improve his pass catching — “I’m striving to be that all-around back,” he says — he’s also worked on improving his approach to each day.

Ajayi’s plan now includes being a great teammate. And, as he says, a leader.

“I’m in a different space mentally now,” Ajayi said. “I know my role. I’m comfortable with what I know.”

Not only is Ajayi trying to refine his game (to recap, last season he was both lightning-quick and a mauler) but he also has committed to bringing positive energy to work each day.

One year later, everything is completely different.

“It was an opportunity, just waiting,” Ajayi said. “And when it came, it was about making the plays. Keeping my head down and just doing what I need to do. For me, it was running hard and having great blocking and just working. This year, knowing what I was able to do it’s about taking the next step, just pushing myself.”